The building was designated a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II on August 27, 1998, and dedicated on October 3, 1999.

[1] The first Mass in the new parish church was said on August 30, 1892, with the formal dedication taking place nearly a year later on June 11, 1893.

The Skinner organ was originally built and installed at the First Church of Christ, Scientist on Genesee Street in downtown Syracuse; this congregation closed in 2003.

[6] The cruciform building was designed by Syracuse architects Merrick and Randall, and built in stone with a marble veneer in Gothic Revival style.

[8][9] One stained glass window depicts Polish saint Maximilian Kolbe, who was murdered at Auschwitz.

[12] Pope John Paul II issued a Papal bull to elevate Sacred Heart to a minor basilica in 1998.